On board computer needed

[Susanb]

Hiya folks. I drive a 2000 XE which runs great except it won't pass smog. Mechanic thinks she needs a new computer. Thing is, Nissan sez they don't make them anymore. I need some ideas where to find one. Thanks, Susan.

 

[Prime]

What makes the mechanic think that? Any codes/check engine light? How many miles? What about it won't pass smog?

 

[Susanb]

First code was intermittent random misfire but new timing belt fixed that. No it is Oxygen Sensor but mechanic says they look fine. I replaced a little over a year ago.

The check engine light is always on. It flashes sometimes. 240,000 miles. Original owner.

 

[Prime]

Do you know what codes the check engine light is coming from? If you don't, you can take it to AutoZone, Advanced Auto Parts, or O'Reilly and get them to scan it for free. If you have the codes we can dive a bit deeper.

 

[Susanb]

Ok. Thanks.

 

[Susanb]

Finally got the diagnostic codes.
P0151
02 Sensor Circuit
Low Bank 2 Sensor 1
Then:
P0131
2 Sensor Circuit Low Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 1

Please advise. I Really love this car and need her to pass smog.

 

[Prime]

It looks like it might just need O2 sensors. Worst case, some catalytic converters.

@Muadeeb @kirk

Ideas?

 

[Susanb]

Did the cats about a year ago.

 

[Prime]

Then the error codes sound like O2 sensors=

 

[Susanb]

So true. The mechanic believes they are likely ok and a new computer is needed. I can't find a compatible computer anywhere. So maybe do the sensors and hope fie the best.

 

[Prime]

Start with the sensors and go from there.

 

[Susanb]

will do.
Do you know.of a viable.source for computer when she needs one?

 

[Prime]

I'd be really surprised if it needs a computer. Unfortunately, it would have to be a junkyard pull.

 

[Susanb]

Yes that is encouraging. I will replace the sensors. Do hou think it's worth the money to get Nissan parts?

 

[Prime]

Go to RockAuto.com and buy the NTK brand O2 sensors. Save money. NTK is the actual OE part you'd get from Nissan.

 

[Prime]

Oh, and here is a code: 185388733167948560

Put that in the "how did you hear about us" box on checkout and save 5%.

 

[kirk]

I am late to the party, not sure how I missed the Notif, sorry prime.

But, i would be super super surprised if that is a computer issue. That code is almost always the O2 sensor. If you replaced the cats, whatever damaged those could have easily damaged the sensors. I would gamble that first for sure. change them, clear the codes, drive.

You can get a used ECM (on board computer) on eBay pretty easily.

But I really dont think thats the issue. Have you or your mechanic looked for damaged wires, etc?

Also, did it start showing these codes shortly after the cats were changed? Have you ever cleared them, driven then seen if they come back?

Gotta be those sensors

 

[Susanb]

I am late to the party, not sure how I missed the Notif, sorry prime.

But, i would be super super surprised if that is a computer issue. That code is almost always the O2 sensor. If you replaced the cats, whatever damaged those could have easily damaged the sensors. I would gamble that first for sure. change them, clear the codes, drive.

You can get a used ECM (on board computer) on eBay pretty easily.

But I really dont think thats the issue. Have you or your mechanic looked for damaged wires, etc?

Also, did it start showing these codes shortly after the cats were changed? Have you ever cleared them, driven then seen if they come back?

Gotta be those sensors

I am thinking the sensors are first. At the start, Trixy wouldn't pass smog due to random misfire. Plus, there was loss of power on hill acceleration. Replaced the timing belt at 70 thou and the misfire.cleared up, car runs great. Now there are the O2 codes which had been masked by the misfire apparently per the dealership service dude.

The smog and repair shop mechanic thinks the sensors look good so he's reticent to replace. This is a smog and repair shop I am compelled to ude because of the no pass smog issue.

The front two cats were nearly completely plugged when replaced. Could barely see light through them. The sensors were replaced at same time. That will be two years in December.

I had the timing belt done at.the.dealership because the smog and repair ship weren't sure it was distributor or not that caused the intermittent random misfire code .

The dealership did something to the sensors with a flammable liquid. They described it as a super trick thing that only their mechanic knows how to do. I think it was a B.S. story they tell to women.

So, I am happy to do the sensors and hope we pass smog to get on with life.

Thanks for the support and I will be in touch. S-

 

[Susanb]

Thanks. I found:
NTK:
downstream right. Bank 1. Sensor 2

Upstream right Bank 1. Sensor 1

Upstream left. Bank 2. Sensor 1

Downstream left. Bank 2 Sensor 2

These are all the NTK under Xterra 2000 v6 3.3 so I think this is it, right?

I am ordering but if I am wrong pls let me know and U will cancel. Thanks, I am learning...

Oh, and here is a code: 185388733167948560

Put that in the "how did you hear about us" box on checkout and save 5%.

 

[Susanb]

Okey I had the sensors replaced. She still won't pass. The codes are now:
PO 131 Bank 1 Sensor 1 Low Voltage

PO 151 Bank 2 Sensor 1 Low Voltage

Next steps?

 

[Prime]

Did you replace all 4 because those errors are for the two upstream O2s

 

[Susanb]

Yes. I replaced all 4

 

[Susanb]

Hello. Any ideas what to do next?

 

[Muadeeb]

Unless you got two bad sensors, I'd start ohming wires. Did you plug them into the right connectors?

 

[Susanb]

Work was done at a smog and repair station. He thinks it's the computer.

 

[Susanb]

Car eins great but a bit more exhausty since replacing the sensors

 

[Susanb]

Hey Trixie passed smog! Tirns out the issue was a vaccuum leak caused by bad injector O-ring.